Oct 18, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before the start of the second half of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
The more one examines it, the more they can see some serious fireworks happening at the top end of the 1st round. This 2015 NFL mock draft reflects that. Sit back and enjoy the insanity.
1. Tennessee Titans (via Tampa Bay)
Eagles Trade Losses For Mariota
- 4th in ’15 and 2nd in ’16 (in Bradford-Foles deal)
- 2nd and 3rd in ’15 and 1st in ’16
Eagles fans remain convinced Chip Kelly is going to find a way to get Marcus Mariota. The trick of course is finding a way to do it without giving away the farm. It was tight but they manage to pull it off. They give up their 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounder in 2015 and their 1st and 2nd rounders in 2016. Yes, that sounds like a lot but keep this in mind.
Schefter: Is Philadelphia willing to pay 3 No. 1s and 2 No. 2s for Marcus Mariota? #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) March 4, 2015
In all likelihood it would’ve cost picks in 2017 in order to affect a move up the board high enough to get Mariota. Using this unique route they still pay but are able to preserve all of their picks in 2017 and beyond.
49ers Trade Results
- Jay Cutler
- 1st in ’16 from Eagles
The key for the San Francisco 49ers here is that 1st round pick from Philadelphia. That is what they want in this deal. Despite their denial, word was strong that they were shopping Colin Kaepernick. Getting a 1st rounder for him is a victory, even at the cost of five draft slots. On top of that, they get back a veteran quarterback in Jay Cutler who is better than any option they have or could get to replace Kaepernick. The best part is if things don’t work out with him they can cut him in 2016, save $14 million in salary cap space and have two 1st rounders to pursue their next quarterback.
Bears Trade Results
- Colin Kaepernick
- 3rd in ’15 from Eagles
One of the suitors attached to the Kaepernick rumor was the Chicago Bears, so it’s only reasonable to think they’d have interest. GM Ryan Pace may have committed to Cutler recently, but several media sources indicated the Bears were trying to shop him. After six seasons and just one playoff appearance, it made sense that Pace would prefer to move on with a quarterback of his choice rather than be saddled with one fans are tired of. In this deal he brings in a replacement in Kaepernick who is younger (27), more athletic and a more proven winner (4-2 in the playoffs with a Super Bowl appearance) whom he can build around. The added 3rd rounder from Philly is the icing on the cake.
Buccaneers Trade Results
- Sam Bradford
- 2nd in ’15 from Eagles
After collecting an extra 1st round pick from Tennessee, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pull off a rare feat. They get a talent at quarterback worthy of going #1 overall and set their 2016 draft board up to have two 1st and two 2nd round choices. That should give them plenty of protection against the Sam Bradford knee concerns. Never mind the fact they also have Mike Glennon as their backup option. For team that has every reason to be concern about Winston and/or Mariota as franchise players, this is as good a way out as they’ll find.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Tampa Bay)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Oakland Raiders
Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) tackles Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims (6) during the second quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. The play caused Ray to be ejected from the game for targeting. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
5. Washington Redskins
6. New York Jets
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Philadelphia)
8. Atlanta Falcons
Sep 20, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) celebrates his touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of their game against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
9. New York Giants
10. Cleveland Browns (via St. Louis)
11. Minnesota Vikings
12. St. Louis Rams (via Cleveland)
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) works against USC Trojans tight end Bryce Dixon (13) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
13. New Orleans Saints
14. Miami Dolphins
15. Chicago Bears (via 49ers)
16. Houston Texans
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Danny Shelton (55) reacts as he taunts Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver David Glidden (13) in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
17. San Diego Chargers
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills)
20. San Francisco 49ers (via Philadelphia)
Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive linesman Ereck Flowers (74) against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
23. Detroit Lions
24. Arizona Cardinals
Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Baltimore Ravens
27. Dallas Cowboys
28. Denver Broncos
Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs against Vanderbilt Commodores defensive back Torren McGaster (5) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports